The murderer in London: Jack the Ripper

In the dark alleys and streets of Londen, 1 name comes up again and again: Jack the Ripper. This unknown serial killer had left a trail of gruesome murders in Whitechapel in 1888. This is a poverty-stricken district in east London. More than a century later, he remains one of the most mysterious and notorious figures in the history of crime. Who was Jack the Ripper and why does everyone still know him? In this blog, I tell you more about who he is and his murders.

The murders in Whitechapel

The name Jack the Ripper first became known through letters sent to newspapers and the police by the killer himself. No one knows whether the letters were genuine or whether someone else sent them. What is certain is that Jack brutally murdered at least five women in Whitechapel in 1888. These victims (The Canonical Five) were all prostitutes, which made them vulnerable at the time. Indeed, at the time, there was a lot of poverty and social inequality.

These murders were gruesome and violent. The victims were not only murdered but also mutilated. This created speculation that the perpetrator had medical knowledge, perhaps a surgeon or a butcher. These murders created a hysteria in London where everything was in the headlines and this created fear among Londoners.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Jack the Ripper is that he was never caught. Despite many police investigations and witness statements, his identity has never been established. Over the years, more than 100 possible suspects have been named and even famous people such as, the artist Walter Sickert and even Prince Albert Victor.

Many theories were based on speculation, which meant no one knew who Jack the Ripper really was. Even modern techniques such as DNA testing have been used to find out who he was, but never succeeded.

The impact of Jack the Ripper

The impact of Jack the Ripper in London was enormous. All the murders did not make up for the conditions in Whitechapel, which made people feel unsafe and did not want to be in this neighborhood anymore.

Outside London, books, films, series and tours were made about Jack the Ripper. Whitechapel has turned into a tourist attraction with walking tours taking tourists to where the murders took place.

Why does Jack the Ripper still fascinate?

What makes Jack the Ripper so fascinating is the combination of several factors: the horror of the murders, the culprit is still unknown and the time period when it happened. So if you’re ever in London, pay a visit to Whitechapel. But beware… you might still see the Ripper walking the streets somewhere. Want to be fully prepared during your stay in London? Read the blog about the best practical tips about the United Kingdom! Want to learn more about London? Then book the SmartWalk London and learn all about the city and the best hidden gems. Walk this self-guided tour at your own pace and enjoy historic London!